Carnival Canceled, Cases By Town: Coronavirus In The Southland

SOUTHLAND CHICAGO — The new coronavirus outbreak in the Chicago area and across the nation is having impacts in the south suburbs, including the closure of schools and many businesses.

The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced. The governor has declared a "stay-at-home" order for the entire state.

Last week, two employees at the Walmart in Evergreen Park died as a result of contracting the disease. Now, the family of one of the employees has filed a wrongful death lawsuit as a response.

Here are the latest local updates from the south suburbs:

CASES:

A Cook County Department of Public Health map has shown the number of confirmed cases in some of the specific south suburban municipalities. Here are the latest town-by-town numbers in the south suburbs.

• Conductor On Metra's Southwest Line Tests Positive
• Smith Village Resident Tests Positive For Coronavirus

SCHOOLS:

All K-12 schools in Illinois have been closed by the order of Gov. J.B. Pritzker through the end of April. READ MORE: All Illinois Schools Closed Due To Coronavirus Outbreak

Last week, new rules have been put in place for e-learning.

BUSINESSES:

All restaurants and bars in the state have been ordered to cease dine-in services through the end of April. Small businesses continue to be hit especially hard during the pandemic.

In some places, like Homer Glen, small business loan programs have been approved to help small businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Over in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood, a "mega lottery" has been organized in which $9,000 worth of gift certificates will be up for grabs while 30 local businesses will share the amount of ticket sales evenly.

ALSO: New T-Shirts Support Small Businesses

22nd Century Media, a newspaper chain that operated a number of publications in the south suburbs, cited the loss of advertising due to the coronavirus as reason to close their business.

CLOSURES/CANCELLATIONS:

Coronavirus Cancels St. Catherine Of Alexandria Carnival

St. Catherine's popular carnival slated for June has been canceled due to coronavirus pandemic.

Oak Fest 2020 Canceled Due To Coronavirus Outbreak

Organizers of the popular summer festival in Oak Forest have made an early decision to cancel the 2020 event due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Frankfort Park District Offers Virtual Egg-Counting Contest

Although Frankfort Park District had to cancel its egg-hunting events due to the coronavirus, you can still win some candy-filled eggs.

HOSPITALS AND TESTING:

OSF-Little Company of Mary Expands ER For Coronavirus Pandemic

OSF HealthCare-Little Company of Mary Medical Center ramp up emergency department expansion to accommodate coronavirus patients.

Silver Cross Addresses Coronavirus Concerns For Pregnant Women

The informational video from Silver Cross gives information on coronavirus concerns for pregnant women, including breastfeeding and delivery

South Suburban Hospitals Brace For Coronavirus Surge

Cook County Medical Examiner reports first coronavirus deaths at Advocate Christ, Palos and OSF-Little Company of Mary hospitals.

Coronavirus Antibody Testing Offered At Lab In Orland Park

ARCpoint Labs of Orland Park has opened their antibody testing for the new coronavirus to the public.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Donating blood and volunteering are two of many ways those able can help those in need.

In the Beverly neighborhood,a local bakery is hosting a food pantry for those who can help and others who need it.

Residents in Tinley Park have formed a group of volunteers that helps senior citizens and others at risk with grocery shopping and medication pick-ups.

Park Lawn in Oak Lawn is in need of PPE and sanitizing product donations.

Here's what else you should know:

A national healthcare statistics center has predicted there could be more than 2,300 coronavirus deaths reported in Illinois by the end of August. Read More: 2,360 Coronavirus Deaths Predicted In Illinois By August

So far, statewide cases have totaled more than 12,000. As of April 6, there have also been more than 300 deaths reported in Illinois.

On April 7, 73 deaths were reported in one 24-hour period in Illinois. That's the most in a single day to this point.

Masks are recommended when going outdoors. Here are a few simple ways to make your own mask.

The coronavirus spread has already made an impact on the local economy. Nearly 3,000 Illinoisans have filed for unemployment insurance since March 21.

In the city of Chicago, more than 70 percent of those who have died from the coronavirus are African-Americans.

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses.
This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.